Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Adelaide Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Table of Contents
The airport closes from 11 PM to 4 AM every night. Do not attempt to sleep here. – Zack
ADL Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Adelaide International Airport.
What to Expect
Adelaide Airport (code: ADL) is a modern three-level, single-terminal facility with a reasonable selection of shops and eateries. The airport closes every night from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM, but those already inside the terminal before closing are allowed to remain on the landside. The airport offers free WiFi and charging stations for charging mobile devices. Economy class passengers can pay to use one of the airport lounges.
Sleeping in Adelaide Airport
Staff and security are described as friendly and accommodating to overnight sleepers. Quiet nooks can be found, but airport seating is described as uncomfortable and divided by armrests. The airport is closed every night from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM. According to several 2019 reviews, if you are inside the terminal before it closes, you are permitted to stay. Have a backup plan, just in case!
For uninterrupted sleep, several hotels are within walking distance of the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Adelaide Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
Terminal 1 is open from 3:30 AM – 11:00 PM. Their website states, “Please note the terminal is not open overnight or outside these hours.”
Rest & Relaxation Zones
No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in Adelaide Airport sounds like a nightmare, there is a hotel at the airport and other hotels within a short drive:
- Atura Adelaide Airport Hotel – The hotel is connected to the airport via a walkway to both terminals. » Check Rates
- Adelaide Airport Motel – Airport transfers are available 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Mon – Fri). » Check Rates
Visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Adelaide Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program (i.e. Qantas Club or Virgin Australia). Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- Plaza Premium International Lounge – Location: Level 1, after International Departure Security Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass.
- Qantas Club – Location: Airside, level 2, across from Gate 21. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- REX Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Domestic Departures Area, near Gate 10 Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- Virgin Australia Lounge – Location: Airside, level 2, opposite Gate 15 Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of Virgin Australia Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
- Virgin Australia Lounge – Location: Airside, level 2, opposite Gate 15.
Related Pages: Adelaide Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Information is unavailable. Does Adelaide Airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.
Food & Drinks
Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. As no 24-hour food concessions are available, you will need to stock up on food and water before the food concessions close for the night.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage lockers are available at the following per 24-hour rates (unconfirmed in our 2024 update. Click here to update the rates): $12 for a small locker • $14 for a medium locker • $16 for a large locker • $20 for a bike box. Location: Multi-level car park, ground floor, near the car rental offices.
Mobile Charging
Power outlets and charging stations are available.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Shower facilities are available in three locations:
- Ground Floor, on Level 2 behind Gate 16
- Level 2, behind Gate 18 (includes International Departures)
- Qantas Club – Airside, level 2, across from Gate 21. You’ll need to be flying elite status or belong to the Qantas’ lounge program to gain entry.
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available at Adelaide Airport. Connect to the “Adelaide Airport Free Wi-Fi” network. Sign-in is required.
Security & Safety
Because the airport closes nightly between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., Security guards check documentation to ensure you can spend the night. If you can get inside the airport before the 11:00 p.m. curfew and security check, you should be able to stay the night. Still, having a backup plan for sleeping somewhere else is a good idea.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Adelaide Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
Airport Ambassadors – If you need help navigating the terminal or have general questions, look for the Airport Ambassadors in the Baggage Claim Hall and Main Check-in Area. They will be wearing bright burgundy jackets.
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Machines dispense AUD, but a few foreign currency machines are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: on Level 2 (near baggage carousels at International Arrivals and after Duty-Free Departure).
Currency Exchange – Travelex offers currency exchange in these locations: International Departures (Level 2) • International Arrivals (Landside, Level 0).
Drinking Water – see “Drinking Water” above.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-Free shopping is available airside to passengers departing or arriving on international flights (Hours: open 90-120 before departing international flights – closes with the last flight). In addition, a wide variety of retail shops and newsstands are available throughout the airport.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Two “parent rooms” are available, which offer feeding areas, toddler toilet pans, basins, a microwave and an area for food preparation. The rooms have been awarded 5 Star for the amenities they provide families. Locations: Level 0 and Level 2.
- Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the gated children’s play area. Location: Airside, next to Hudson’s Coffee.
Food & Drinks – see “Food & Drinks” above.
Hotels – see “Airport Hotels” above.
Information Desk – There is a Welcome Desk on the Ground Floor (at the base of the escalators, near the baggage collection point). The staff can assist you with tourist information, transport services, flight information and airport and terminal information. If the booth is unattended, look for one of the Airport Ambassadors, who wear bright burgundy jackets.
Lounges – see “Airport Lounges” above.
Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
Medical Services – Urgent and emergency medical care is available in the airport’s first aid facility. For access, seek the assistance of an airport staff member.
Mobile Charging – see “Mobile Charging” above.
Pharmacy – Airport Pharmacy is located on Level 2. Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Mon-Fri), 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Sat) and 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sun).
Postal Services – Drop off your last-minute postcards at the airport’s mailbox located between the drop-off /pick-up area and the public bus stop. A post office offering passports, licences, and Safework SA renewals can be found within walking distance from the airport at the intersection between Sir Donald Bradman Drive and Sir Richard Williams Avenue.
Prayer Room – There are two prayer rooms. Location: Domestic Terminal, Level 2, between Rip Curl and News Links • International Terminal (post Emigration, adjacent to the escalator). Hours: during airport operational hours.
Rest Zones – No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Showers – see “Showers” above.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking Area – There is a dedicated smoking area on Level 2 outside the terminal. You will also find a smoking area on the ground level at the southern end of the terminal near WHSmith.
Things to do
- Musical Performances – Choirs and musical groups perform in the airport throughout the year. Live music is played weekly on Fridays from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, opposite Gate 14.
- Vickers Vimy Exhibition – The Vickers Vimy Exhibition is a display commemorating the first flight between England and Australia. Location: Ground floor of the terminal, opposite Atura Hotel. Entry: free.
WiFi – see “WiFi/Internet” above.
Bus
Adelaide Airport is served by a bus operated by Adelaide Metro. Metro cards can be bought on the vending machine at the bus stop. Location: left side of the plaza as you leave the terminal. For more information on routes, fares and timetables, visit the Adelaide Metro website.
Car Rentals
Car rental desks are on the ground floor of the multi-level car park (adjacent to the baggage claim area). The following agencies are available on-site: Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • SIXT.
Hotel Shuttles
At the time of this update, we found only one hotel providing airport shuttle service: Adelaide Airport Motel ($) • The Chancellor on Currie • Adelaide City Park Motel.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Ride Sharing
Uber, Ola and Didi ride-sharing services have a designated pick-up location to the left of the Terminal Car Park. An AU$3 surcharge is added to trips from the airport. An Uber ride to the city centre will cost you about $20.
Taxi
Metered taxis are available at the taxi rank, located to the left of the pedestrian plaza as you exit the terminal. The drop-off area is located in the Atura Circuit, between the terminal and the Atura Hotel. Concierges are available on-site to ensure smooth pickup and assist passengers in hiring the taxi that best fits their needs (baby capsule, wheelchair access, larger vehicle, etc.).
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.